Section 2 - Scope

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(3) La Trobe University will demonstrate leadership in waste management practices through waste avoidance, increased resource recovery and reduced waste to landfill throughout its operations.

(4) The University will:

Avoid potential waste when making procurement decisions;

Minimise waste from its operations, programs and research;

Follow the waste hierarchy set out by the EPA;

Recover resources from obsolete equipment wherever possible;

Reduce potential hazards and health risks created by waste generation and management; and

Collate and analyse waste data that allows monitoring of performance, and reporting of that performance at the Sustainability Policy and Planning Group and through external reporting mechanisms.

(5) The Infrastructure and Operations Group is responsible for all data collection, measurement, monitoring and reporting of recycling rates and waste to landfill against University sustainability targets on an annual basis.

(6) The Infrastructure and Operations Group is responsible for the design and construction of new and refurbished buildings and the operation and maintenance of infrastructure. It will:

Ensure contractors separate all waste generated for maximum resource recovery, including but not limited to, building works, retrofitting, refurbishment and renovations.

Ensure budget provisions are made for implementation and maintenance of landfill, recycling and organics recovery infrastructure.

In the case of non-standard PCs, laptops and monitors, EPEAT Gold rated equipment will be used unless there is an unavoidable technical requirement precluding this. If EPEAT Gold equipment is not suitable then EPEAT Silver and Bronze rated equipment will be used in order of preference. Non EPEAT rated equipment will only be used where there is no alternative.

No equipment is to be disposed of other than through return to the leasing company, resale by the University or disposal through a University approved e-waste recycling contractor.

Reduce use of paper and consumables through bulk changes in settings and centralising multi-function printing devices.

Reduce the use of personal printers where not required. Business cases for acquisition of personal printers must be submitted to, and separately approved by the CIO or a delegate of the CIO.

Actively encourage University awareness of sustainable IT practices and principles.

(9) Strategic Sourcing and Procurement is responsible for the sourcing of products and services. The Unit will:

Lead packaging stewardship through contractual changes i.e. request that packaging be returned to supplier when new equipment is delivered.

(10) The Sustainability Policy and Planning Group (SPPG) is responsible for monitoring the incorporation of sustainable practices into all aspects of operations, curricula, teaching, learning and policies at La Trobe University. The SPPG will direct appropriate functional divisions to address waste minimisation through:

Generally waste is any material or substance that is of no further use and has been discarded. If not properly managed waste can cause pollution and adverse impacts on the environment. Disposing of waste that could be reused or recycled is often a waste of resources, a lost opportunity and a waste of money (EPA, Waste, 2011).

Waste hierarchy: The waste hierarchy is an order of preference and states that waste should be managed in accordance with the hierarchy, with avoidance being the most preferred option and disposal being the least.